I decided to spend a sick day in Milwaukee. This was the only city close enough for a one-day trip. I planned on getting there by Megabus, and back by either Megabus or Amtrak. I purchased a one-way Megabus ticket for 5.50 a couple of weeks prior to make a commitment (I didn’t purchase a return ticket to seem spontaneous). This was not only a bargain, but the cheapest commitment I could remember. I would easily give it 8.75. The bus ride lasted two hours and featured luxuries such as no snacks and 120-volt power sockets.

I planned on taking one of those public downtown tours at 10AM and had nearly an hour to spare, so I headed in the general direction to walk around and kill some time. I took 4th St North and turned right on Everett. Some sort of world market was assembling in the Zeidler Union Square. A Russian-speaking man on a cell-phone walked by me, chattering about some hourse raddish. I walked across the Union Square, glancing in all directions to find anything of interest that fit my agenda, but nothing did. I had no agenda. I then walked east on Michigan St, and eventually cut North to Wisconsin Ave, the street where the tour would start.